Lausunto englanniksi.

I would like to thank the UK and Pakistan for organizing today’s timely discussion.

The increased frequency and intensity of weather related natural disasters is well recognized. We need to stop climate change becoming an ever worse ‘threat multiplier’. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is needed. Threats such as natural disasters, increased scarcity of natural resources and environmental deterioration will lead to increased instability and new conflicts.

Climate change and its international security implications must be tackled in central multilateral fora, first and foremost in the UN and its Security Council. In our opinion the Council should remain engaged on the security dimensions of climate change and take appropriate actions on the matter.

As article 34 of the United Nations Charter stipulates, the Security Council may investigate any situation which might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute, in order to determine whether the situation is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security. No further authorization is needed.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation are conducive to preventive security, development and refugee policies. Climate change is a global challenge that requires global, multilateral solutions as well as tailor-made local efforts.

One concrete example could be, to include climate change adaptation actions into the mandates of peace building missions. This would be a way to enhance preparation for situations where the impacts of climate change could trigger new or awake old tensions and lead to relapse.

It is also vital to involve women, as they often have the best practical knowledge on how to combat climate change, but lack access to decision-making.

It is imperative, taking into account the Council’s responsibilities, as well as for the sake of its credibility, to have climate change on the Council’s agenda. Ultimately, addressing the security dimensions of climate change should be a crucial part of the Council’s toolbox to prevent conflicts, and in a more proactive way to maintain international peace and security.